Whether working in public accounting or industry, tax accounting is one of the most dynamic fields in business. The Master of Tax Accounting program provides students with the opportunity to develop and strengthen the skills which are necessary for a successful career in tax, including critical thinking, professional judgment, and problem-solving skills. The innovative curriculum incorporates instruction in the emerging tax specialty practice areas such as accounting for income taxes, state and local taxation, international taxation, mergers, acquisitions, and transaction services.
The Master of Tax Accounting (MTA) degree program is a multidimensional approach to the education of the modern tax specialist which includes coursework in the key tax specialty practice areas and incorporates opportunities for students to utilize leading software and technology platforms to enhance their knowledge. By drawing on their comprehensive knowledge of accounting and taxation principles, Manderson graduates are well-positioned for a successful career in the continuously evolving field of taxation.
Admission and Conditional Admission decisions are made based upon all application materials: academic transcripts, statement of purpose, resume, letters of recommendation, GMAT score, work experience, etc.
For comprehensive details about the admission requirements and policies for the Master of Tax Accounting program, please refer to the program’s academic course catalog page. International applicants should also review the Admission Criteria section of the Graduate Catalog for additional requirements specific to international student admissions.
Application Requirements
Undergraduate Course Prerequisites
Before admission to the program, students should have completed the following accounting courses or their equivalents found on the UA course catalog.
The Master’s of Tax Accounting (MTA) degree program is a multidimensional approach to the education of the modern tax specialist. The program develops an understanding of the taxation system and the interrelationships that exist between that system and accounting theory; a basic knowledge of the legal system as it relates to taxation; and the basic tools necessary for research and communication in taxation. Graduates are prepared to research tax, legal and accounting databases related to tax problems and to make tax-related decisions.
For more information on specific courses, visit the UA course catalog.
Students are required to complete a minimum of 30 hours of approved coursework beyond the undergraduate degree. At least 18 of these hours must be coursework in the major field. A minimum of 24 hours must be taken in courses open only to graduate students, and 15 of these must be in courses in accounting and taxation at The University of Alabama. Students are also required to complete Governmental & Nonprofit Accounting, either prior to entering the program or as part of the MTA degree.
Q: What financial assistance is available?
A: The following types of financial assistance are available:
The department is allowed to nominate a small number of students who compete with students from other colleges on campus for fellowship positions. For additional information please see the following website and/or contact the Program Director Karen Miller, krmiller8@culverhouse.ua.edu, or Department Chair Rich Houston, rhouston@culverhouse.ua.edu. https://graduate.ua.edu/prospective-students/graduate-school-scholarships-fellowships/
Every applicant accepted for admission into the program is automatically considered for a graduate assistantship. Assistantships are awarded based upon the materials submitted as part of the application to the program (e.g. Academic transcripts, Statement of Purpose, Letters of Recommendation, Resume).
Cash scholarships are awarded based on a number of different criteria (merit, financial need, etc.) according to the desires of our generous alumni. Students should fill out the scholarship application detailing any specific details of their background and financial situation. See the following link for the application.
Q: What do graduate assistants do?
A: Graduate assistants are typically assigned to one of the following roles: tutors for undergraduate courses, research assistants, LIFT leaders, teacher assistants, or AC210 lab instructors.
Q: What time of year can I start the program?
A: You can begin the program in the Spring, Summer, or Fall. Accounting courses are taught exclusively in the Spring and Fall however they are not taught in sequence so students may start at any time during the academic year. Some electives are offered in the Summer, however, the majority are also offered in the Spring and Fall semesters.
Q: Is there an application deadline?
A: No, we review applications as they are submitted. However, students are encouraged to apply before scholarships are awarded in order to receive full consideration for financial assistance. Typically, cash scholarships are awarded the semester prior to when the student starts coursework.
Q: Does the program provide career counseling?
A: Yes, the accounting department organizes career fairs each semester in which students can network with employers located around the globe as well as others located exclusively in the Southeastern United States.
The Culverhouse School of Accountancy awards scholarships and assistantships to eligible students in the Master of Accountancy or Master of Tax Accounting programs based on factors such as merit and/ or need, depending upon the underlying scholarship agreements.
Financial Aid
The following types of financial assistance are available:
University Fellowships
The department is allowed to nominate a small number of students who compete with students from other colleges on campus for fellowship positions.
For additional information, please visit the Graduate School website and/or contact the Program Director, Mrs. Karen Miller (krmiller8@ua.edu) or Department Chair, Dr. Rich Houston (rhouston@ua.edu)
Graduate Assistantships
Every applicant accepted for admission into the program is automatically considered for a graduate assistantship. Assistantships are awarded based upon the materials submitted as part of the application to the program (e.g. Academic transcripts, Statement of Purpose, Letters of Recommendation, Resume). Graduate assistants are typically assigned to one of the following roles: tutors for undergraduate courses, research assistants, LIFT leaders, teacher assistants, or AC210 lab instructors.
Cash Scholarships
Cash scholarships are awarded based on a number of different criteria (merit, financial need, etc.) according to the desires of our generous alumni. Students should fill out the scholarship application detailing any specific details of their background and financial situation. Follow the instructions below to apply for Cash Scholarships.
Currently Enrolled Accounting Students
If you are a currently enrolled and seeking a scholarship, you should use the undergraduate scholarship application **for currently enrolled UA students** for MAcc and MTA scholarships.
To be considered for scholarships as an incoming MAcc / MTA student, you must be listed as an accounting major complete the scholarship form as follows:
1. On myBama, go to your Admissions/Scholarships Tab.
2. In the left-hand column titled “Scholarships,” you will see a section labeled “Undergraduate Students Only.” Click on the link underneath the title labeled “Current Student Scholarship Application.”
3. Once you access the application, please select the following information:
The deadline for this scholarship application is March 1, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. We cannot extend this deadline, so be sure to complete the application as soon as possible. You do not have to have your Graduate School Application complete in order to submit the scholarship application. If you have any questions concerning this process, please contact Sydney Simmons in the accounting office at sydney.simmons@ua.edu for assistance.
Outside Students Seeking Enrollment into our MAcc/MTA
Applicants to the MAcc or MTA program from other Universities should complete this form for scholarships: MAcc/MTA Scholarship Application for Non-Alabama Students and contact Dr. Rich Houston at rhouston@ua.edu for information about assistantships. You do not have to have your Graduate School Application completed in order to submit the scholarship application.
The deadline for this scholarship application is March 1, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. We cannot extend this deadline, so please complete the application as soon as possible. You do not have to have your Graduate School Application complete in order to submit the scholarship application. If you have any questions concerning this process, please contact Sydney Simmons for assistance at sydney.simmons@ua.edu.
The Culverhouse School of Accountancy hosts career fairs each semester. Students have the opportunity to network with professionals in public accounting, corporate accounting, finance, government, and non-profit organizations. Recent job placements include:
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